LETTER | The inclusion of the LGBT community in the women's march has sparked a debate among the people about the country's cultural and religious norms, as well as the fight for gender equality.

While liberals argue that involving the LGBT community is critical for promoting gender equality, others see it as a violation of Malaysia's traditional values, as well as a disregard for women's struggles and voices.

Cultural and religious factors in a Muslim country shape Malaysian’s social attitudes and behaviour. Homosexual activity is a crime under Penal Code Section 377A, reflecting our society's values.

Homosexuality is considered sinful and immoral by most Malaysians, regardless of religion. As a result, it is critical to strike a balance between advocating for women's rights and gender equality while also respecting our cultural and religious values.

Women have shaped our country's history and will continue to do so in the future. The fight for gender equality is a genuine and pressing issue, but it should not be at the expense of disrespecting our nation's artistic and sacred values.

Foreign agenda

We must prioritise the people's needs and beliefs while advocating for women's rights and gender equality.

Many have criticised the organisers for attempting to push a foreign agenda that contradicts our norms. They argue that including members of the LGBT community dilutes the message of promoting women's rights and can stifle progress toward gender equality.

Inviting the LGBT community to the march has raised questions about its intentions and agenda. It is critical to ensure that the promotion of gender equality is not used to justify a foreign policy that contradicts our traditional and cultural values.

The coalition government of the Pakatan Harapan-BN must accept responsibility for its inaction and lack of action, which has made the people feel hopeless and doubt the government's commitment to cultural and religious freedom.

We must consider whether promoting women's rights and gender equality is more important than accommodating LGBT community demands contradicting our cultural and religious values.

Social harmony

How do we balance promoting gender equality and upholding Malaysian cultural and religious standards? What steps can the Pakatan-BN coalition government take to promote social harmony and unity while respecting our cultural and spiritual values?

To summarise, it is critical to respect women's struggles, and cultural norms to promote social harmony and unity in the country. We must continue to advocate for gender equality while acknowledging the significance of cultural and spiritual values in shaping our social attitudes and behavior.

The coalition government of the Pakatan-BN must promote social harmony and unity while upholding our cultural and religious values. It is critical to ensure that the promotion of gender equality is not used to advance a foreign agenda incompatible with our cultural and religious norms.

MAHATHIR MOHD RAIS is Bersatu Segambut division chief.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.